Experience in Ferrara, Italy by Emanuele

What is it like to live in Ferrara? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

In my opinion (trying to be as impartial as possible) Ferrara is a really nice place to live. The living standards are probably higher than the average of Italian cities: the traffic is normally not a problem, especially in the centre, there is a pretty good offer of places to eat out, sport facilities of all sorts are available. Moreover, the cultural and historic heritage of the town is notable, and together with the abundant variety of natural spaces make living in Ferrara a generally pleasant experience. The only possible drawback is the weather, which is normally pretty cold and foggy in winter and quite hot and wet in summer.

How much does it cost to live in Ferrara?

Though not particularly expensive if compared to other cities of Northern Italy (Padua, Milan, Venice), living in Ferrara is not exactly cheap. However, it is possible to find places where you can go shopping for reasonable prices. Not including eating out, the grocery shop will probably cost you on average 300 euro, more or less. On the other hand, it must be said that the town is pretty small, so you will not have to spend money of public transport if you live reasonably near to the city centre.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Ferrara? Is there any advice you can give?

As a town quite accustomed to house Erasmus students (and, generally speaking, students from other parts of Italy), Ferrara boasts a pretty good offer as for the accommodation. Indeed, it is possible to find a good room to rent for 250 euro more or less. It may be a good idea to inquire about possible advantages or support offered to Erasmus students by the University, which is normally quite sensible and helpful.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

As it has been recently stated by Forbes, the Emilian cuisine is probably the best in the world. The food in Ferrara, of course, does not make exception: the culinary standards are quite high. Though it would be impossible to describe in a few lines the endless range of opportunities offered, I will try to provide a list including the most traditional dishes of the local cuisine: cappellacci di zucca, cappelletti in brodo and pasticcio alla ferrarese as first course, salamina da sugo con purè and cotechino as main courses, polenta or lumache (snails) as side dishes, pampapato and torta tenerina as desserts. Furtermore, the bread in Ferrara is one of the best in Italy, with a peculiar and characteristic piece called "coppia", not to mention the cold cuts, maybe the product for which Emilia is most renowned for. The local specialty is the so-called salame zia ferrarese.

What places would you recommend visiting in Ferrara?

Among the unmissable places to see in Ferrara, I would include the Castle and the Cathedral, located right in the centre of the city. Together with Piazza Ariostea and Palazzo dei Diamanti, two icons of the Renaissance, they are probably the most famous and symbolic places in the town. Nevertheless, there are several other places which, despite being less known, are equally worth seeing. Among them, I would include the characteristic Via delle Volte, the church of San Giorgio, Palazzo Schifanoia and Palazzo Paradiso, which represent part of the rich medieval heritage of Ferrara. Finally, a tour for Ferrara could not be complete without a walk or bike ride on the ancient medieval walls, which have now been converted into a paradise for open-air lovers.

Is the nightlife good in Ferrara? Where is good to go?

Though for the local standards the nightlife in Ferrara is probably fine, Erasmus students may find it a bit disappointing. However, if you are not satisfied with the few discos you can find in town or right outside it, it is possible to take a train and go to Bologna to find something more to your taste! A classic gathering for university students is the so-called Renfe, normally offered on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night.

What advice would you give future students headed to Ferrara?

First and foremost, you should know that Ferrara boasts the title of "European city for bicycles". Indeed, the bike is really the best way to go around every day, as well as to explore the town. Therefore, one of the first things to do is probably looking for a second-hand bicycle. And if you are not used to cycling, well... start training! Furthermore, as I have already said the weather in autumn and winter is generally quite chilly (it sometimes snows, normally two or three times a year), so better have some heavy clothes ready at hand. As your diet will be probably severely tested by the Emilian cuisine, seriously consider the chance of taking up one of the several sport activities which the town can offer. Finally, if you are willing to know beforehand some of the secrets of Ferrara, you may read some of the books set in the town. For English speakers, the interesting novel "Sacred Hearts" by Sarah Dunant could be a good starting point.